Hoosier Company Powering Buses in Sochi

An Indiana company is playing a critical role in the complex logistics of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Approximately 400 buses at the winter games are being powered by transmissions designed and manufactured by Indianapolis-based Allison Transmission Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ALSN). Research and development on the transmissions were performed in the Marion County city, while manufacturing took place at Allison plants in Hungary and India. In an interview that will air this weekend on Inside INdiana Business Television, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing, Sales & Service Michael Headly talks about the international strategy. The Sochi deal is an extension of a company strategy to showcase its technology at the Olympics and other major global sporting events. In 2008, Allison transmissions were in 12,000 buses at the Beijing Olympic Games.

At least two other Indiana businesses have a presence at the Olympics. Panther Racing Inc. is providing graphic wraps for the U.S. luge team's sleds. The wraps are the same type that are used on Panther's cars

Richmond-based Skates U.S. has also helped supply some Olympic athletes. The company makes ice skates for American Gracie Gold and Canadian Patrick Chan.

Source: Inside INdiana Business